Eyewear accommodating headset with audio compensation

ABSTRACT

Systems, and methods for use thereof, are provided for eyewear accommodating headset with audio compensation. An example system may include a headset, which includes an ear cup shaper, and circuitry for controlling at least some functions associated with the headset. The ear cup shaper may be configurable into at least two configurations. The circuitry may determine a configuration that the ear cup shaper is configured into, and may control based on the determined configuration, one or more audio functions that affect audio output via the headset. The ear cup shaper may include a strap and/or a plunger. The circuitry may control and/or adjust one or both of a gain applied to the audio output via the headset, and a bass boost setting applied to the audio output via the headset.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/931,915, filed on Nov. 4, 2015, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/726,667,filed on Jun. 1, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/458,366, filed on Aug. 13, 2014 (now U.S. Pat.No. 9,049,512), which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisionalpatent application 61/908,802, filed on Nov. 26, 2013, now expired.

Each of the above referenced documents is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional headsetsbecome apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of suchsystems with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in theremainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

System and methods are provided for an eyewear accommodating headsetwith audio compensation, substantially as shown in and/or described inconnection with at least one of the figures, as set forth morecompletely in the claims.

These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the presentinvention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, willbe more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a first view of a headset configured for accommodatingeyewear.

FIG. 2 depicts a second view of the headset of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts one of the ear cups of the headset of FIG. 1

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate adjusting the tightness of a strap-type earcup shaper of a first embodiment of the headset to adjust the amount ofspace created for the eyewear.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate adjusting the tightness of a strap-type earcup shaper of a second embodiment of the headset to adjust the amount ofspace created for the eyewear.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate cross section views of the embodiment of theheadset shown in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 7 illustrates how the temple piece of the glasses fits into thedepression created by a strap-type ear cup shaper.

FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram of an example implementation of a headsetwith eyewear accommodation.

FIGS. 9A-D depict an example implementation where retractable structurespositioned inside the foam of the ear cups enable the headset toaccommodate temple pieces of eyeglasses.

FIGS. 10A-D depict an example implementation in which the ear pieceshave openings to accommodate temple pieces of eyeglasses.

FIG. 11A is a flowchart illustrating a first example process foradjusting audio settings based on a state of an ear cup shaper.

FIG. 11B is a flowchart illustrating a second example process foradjusting audio settings based on a state of an ear cup shaper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown two views of an exampleheadset 100 that may present audio received from a connected device(e.g., game console) to a listener. The headset 100 comprises a headband102, a microphone boom 106 with microphone 104, ear cups 108 a and 108 bwhich attach to housings 119 a and 119 b which house speakers 116 a and116 b, ear cup shapers in the form of straps 118 a and 118 b foraccommodating eyewear, connector 110, connector 114, and user controls112.

The connector 110 may be, for example, a 3.5 mm headphone socket forreceiving analog audio signals (e.g., receiving chat audio via an Xbox“talkback” cable).

The microphone 104 converts acoustic waves (e.g., the voice of theperson wearing the headset) to electric signals for processing bycircuitry of the headset and/or for output to a device (e.g., gamingconsole, a smartphone, and/or the like) that is in communication withthe headset.

The speakers 116 a and 116 b convert electrical signals to soundwaves.

The user controls 112 may comprise dedicated and/or programmablebuttons, switches, sliders, wheels, etc. for performing variousfunctions. Example functions which the controls 112 may be configured toperform include: power the headset 100 on/off, mute/unmute themicrophone 104, control gain/volume of, and/or effects applied to, chataudio by the audio processing circuitry of the headset 100, controlgain/volume of, and/or effects applied to, game audio by the audioprocessing circuitry of the headset 100, enable/disable/initiate pairing(e.g., via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi direct, or the like) with another computingdevice, and/or the like.

The connector 114 may be, for example, a USB port. The connector 114 maybe used for downloading data to the headset 100 from another computingdevice and/or uploading data from the headset 100 to another computingdevice. Such data may include, for example, parameter settings.Additionally, or alternatively, the connector 114 may be used forcommunicating with another computing device such as a smartphone, tabletcompute, laptop computer, or the like.

Each of the housings 119 a and 119 b may comprise rigid plastic and/ormetal for providing shape and support of the headset 200. Each of theear cups 108 a and 108 b is attached to a respective one of the housings119 a and 119 b. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, each of the housings 119 aand 119 b may provide a support structure which may be used in applyingtension to a respective one of the straps 118 a and 118 b.

The ear cups 108 a and 108 b are configured for surrounding thewearer/listener's ears and compressing against the wearer/listener'shead to create an enclosed acoustic environment for improved soundquality. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the ear cups 108 a and 108 b maycomprise, for example, foam that compresses against the listeners headfor creating the seal, an outer liner (e.g., a breathable fabric thatwicks heat and/or moisture away from the listener's head), and anadjustable strap for deforming the foam to accommodate the temple piecesof a pair of eyeglasses worn by the wearer/listener.

FIG. 3 depicts one of the ear cups of the headset of FIG. 1. In FIG. 3,the foam and lining of ear cup 108 a is deformed, creating space for thetemple piece of a pair of eyeglasses, as a result of tension applied tothe strap 118 a. Also shown in FIG. 3 are microphones 302 which may, forexample, be used for automatic noise cancellation and/or used forcharacterizing an acoustic environment inside the ear cup 108 a, asdescribed below with reference to FIG. 11B.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the strap 118 a is on the outsideof the ear cup lining. This may be the case, for example, where thestraps 118 a and 118 b are sold as an after-market add-on. In theembodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the strap is on the inside of the ear cuplining (e.g., stitched to the inside of the lining), as indicated by thedashed lines. The wearer/listener may adjust the tension of the strap118 a by pulling (e.g., directly or via a ratchet, dial, or othermechanical assembly) on the tag end 402. In FIGS. 4A and 5A there isless tension on the strap 118 a relative to the tension on the strap inFIGS. 4B and 5B. Consequently, in FIGS. 4A and 5A there is a shorter tagend 402 and an accompanying smaller deformation, d1 (e.g., 0), in theear cup as compared to the longer tag end and larger deformation d2 inFIGS. 4B and 5B. The tension may be maintained by a retaining device 408which grips the strap 118 a and braces against the housing 119 a, asshown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. In an example embodiment, the strap tensionmay be fixed and the retaining device 408 may simply be a stitchingtogether of two ends of the strap. In another example embodiment, theretaining device may be such as is found on a clothing belt. In anotherexample embodiment, the retaining device may be buttons, or Velcro, orthe like. In another example embodiment, the retaining device may use aratcheting action such as is used on snow sports boots and/or bindings.

Also shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is a sensor (e.g., a hall effect sensor)which generates an electrical signal indicating the configuration (i.e.,tension or position) of the strap.

FIG. 7 illustrates how the temple piece of the glasses fits into thedepression created by the strap. As can be seen from the figure, alarger depression (e.g., d2 of FIG. 4B) may be desired for a biggertemple piece (e.g., thick plastic frames) whereas a smaller depression(e.g., d1 of FIG. 4A) may be desired for a smaller temple piece (e.g.,for thin wire frames). As shown, one consequence of the eyeglassesaccommodation may be gaps between the wearer's head and the air cupwhich may affect the audio experience of the wearer. For example, an airleak caused by such a gap may reduce the perceived loudness of lowfrequency audio (i.e., reduce the perceived “bass response”).Accordingly, the headset 100 may be operable to compensate for suchchanges in the acoustic environment of the ear cup by adjusting theaudio settings applied to the audio signals being output via thespeakers 116 a and 116 b.

FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram of an example implementation of a headsetwith eyewear accommodation. In addition to the connector 110, usercontrols 112, connector 114, microphone 104, microphones 302, andspeakers 116 a and 116 b already discussed, shown are a radio 820, a CPU822, a storage device 824, a memory 826, an audio processing circuit830, and an ear cup shaper sensor 832.

The radio 820 comprises circuitry operable to communicate in accordancewith one or more standardized (such as, for example, the IEEE 802.11family of standards, the Bluetooth family of standards, and/or the like)and/or proprietary wireless protocol(s) (e.g., a proprietary protocolfor receiving audio from an audio basestation such as the basestation300).

The CPU 822 comprises circuitry operable to execute instructions forcontrolling/coordinating the overall operation of the headset 100. Suchinstructions may be part of an operating system or state machine of theheadset 100 and/or part of one or more software applications running onthe headset 100. In some implementations, the CPU 822 may be, forexample, a programmable interrupt controller, a state machine, or thelike.

The storage device 824 comprises, for example, FLASH or othernonvolatile memory for storing data which may be used by the CPU 822and/or the audio processing circuitry 830. Such data may include, forexample, parameter settings that affect processing of audio signals inthe headset 100 and parameter settings that affect functions performedby the user controls 112. For example, one or more parameter settingsmay determine, at least in part, a gain of one or more gain elements ofthe audio processing circuitry 830. As another example, one or moreparameter settings may determine, at least in part, a frequency responseof one or more filters that operate on audio signals in the audioprocessing circuitry 830. As another example, one or more parametersettings may determine, at least in part, whether and which soundeffects are added to audio signals in the audio processing circuitry 830(e.g., which effects to add to microphone audio to morph the user'svoice). Example parameter settings which affect audio processing aredescribed in the co-pending U.S. Ser. No. 13/040,144 titled “GamingHeadset with Programmable Audio” and published as US2012/0014553, theentirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Particularparameter settings may be selected autonomously by the headset 100 inaccordance with one or more algorithms, based on user input (e.g., viacontrols 112), and/or based on input received via one or more of theconnectors 110 and 114.

The memory 826 comprises volatile memory used by the CPU 822 and/oraudio processing circuit 830 as program memory, for storing runtimedata, etc.

The ear cup shaper sensor 832 comprises circuitry operable to detect theposition of one or both of the ear cup shapers of the two ear cups 108 aand 108 b. In the case of strap-type ear cup shapers 118 a and 118 b,for example, the sensor 832 may sense tension on one or both of thestraps 118 a and 118 b, amount of deformation in the foam as a result ofone or both of the straps 118 a and 118 b, and/or the presence (e.g.,through thermal and/or skin conductance measurements) or size (e.g.,through sound pressure measurement) of an air-gap between one or both ofthe ear cups 108 a and 108 b and the wearer's head as a result of thestraps 118 a and/or 118 b. In the case of plunger-type ear cup shapers902 a and 902 b (FIGS. 9A-9D, below) for example, the sensor 832 maysense whether the plunger is extended or depressed, amount ofdeformation in the foam as a result of one or both of the plungers 902 aand 902 b, and/or presence and/or size of an air-gap between one or bothof the ear cups 108 a and 108 b and the wearer's head as a result of theplungers 902 a and 902 b.

For strap-type ear cup shapers, the sensor 832 may comprise, forexample, a magnet with hall effect sensor for each strap (i.e., thevoltage produced on the hall element varies with position of the strap).For strap-type ear cup shapers, the sensor 832 may comprise, forexample, a wheel or track ball that rolls as the strap is tightened orloosened. For a plunger-type ear cup shaper, the sensor 832 maycomprise, for example, a potentiometer, a simple binary (on/off) switchor contact, and/or the like.

The measurement(s) from the sensor 832 may be fed to the CPU 822 and/oraudio processing circuitry 830 and processing of audio may be adjustedbased on the measurements. For example, phase, amplitude, frequency,and/or some other characteristics of audio signals being output to thespeakers 116 a and 116 b may be adjusted to compensate for the acousticenvironment corresponding to the current measurement(s). For example, toaccount for an air gap between the ear cup 108 a and the wearer's headcreated by an ear cup shaper, the bass of the audio signal being outputthe speaker 116 a may be boosted to maintain a desired bass loudness.For example, based on the state of the ear cup shaper (e.g., whether aplunger-type shaper is depressed or extended or whether a strap-typeshaper is tight or loose) a DSP tuning correction factor applied to theoutput audio signals by audio processing circuitry 830 may be enabled ordisabled. In an example implementation, the state of the ear cup shapermay be used for identifying a wearer of the headset (e.g., where twosiblings share the headset but only one of them wears glasses, which maybe stored in user profile/settings).

The audio processing circuit 830 may comprise circuitry operable toperform audio processing functions such as volume/gain control,compression, decompression, encoding, decoding, introduction of audioeffects (e.g., echo, phasing, virtual surround effect, etc.), and/or thelike. As described above, the processing performed by the audioprocessing circuit 830 may be determined, at least in part, by one ormore measurements from the sensor 832. The processing may be performedon game, chat, and/or microphone audio that is subsequently output tospeaker 116 a and 116 b. Additionally, or alternatively, the processingmay be performed on chat audio that is subsequently output to theconnector 110 and/or radio 820.

FIGS. 9A-D depict an example implementation where retractable rigidstructures positioned inside filler material of the ear cups (e.g.,foam) enable the headset to comfortably accommodate temple pieces ofeyeglasses.

FIG. 9A shows the entire headset 100 with depressions 904 a and 904 b inear cups 108 a and 108 b, respectively, created by plunger 902 a and 902b, respectively, which are within the ear cups 108 a and 108 b. As shownin FIG. 9B, when the plunger 902 a is in an extended position such thatdeformation 904 a is not present. FIG. 9C shows a user retracting theplunger 902 a by pressing on it. FIG. 9D shows the structure in aretracted position such that deformation 904 a is present to accommodatethe temple piece of a pair of eyeglasses.

In an example implementation, the components 906 a and 908 a comprise amagnet 906 a and a magnetic contact 908 a such that the plunger 902 a isheld in a retracted position by magnetic force. In such an embodiment,the plunger 902 a may be returned to the extended position by squeezingthe ear cup 108 a to exert an extension force that overcomes themagnetic force. In another example implementation, the components 906 aand 908 a may comprise a mechanical latch as is found in retractableballpoint pens. In such an implementation a first push of the plunger902 a compresses the foam and engages the mechanical latch, and a secondpush of the plunger compresses the foam beyond the retracted positionand disengages the mechanical latch allowing the foam to decompress(possibly aided by a spring) and return the plunger to the extendedposition.

In an example implementation, the components 906 a and 908 a comprise amagnet and a semiconductor hall element together operating as a halleffect sensor such that a voltage produced on the hall element varieswith the position of the plunger 902. In an example implementation, thecomponents 908 a and 906 a comprise electrical contacts such that whenthe plunger 902 a is retracted a circuity is completed but when it isopen the circuit is broken. In an example implementation, one or both ofthe components 908 a and 906 a may comprise a normally open switch thatis closed the plunger 902 a is retracted and open otherwise.

FIGS. 10A-D depict an example implementation in which the ear pieceshave openings (e.g., slits) to accommodate temple pieces of eyeglasses.The slits/openings may be such that, when no glasses are being worn by awearer of the headset, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10C, the elastic natureof the filler material of the ear cups (e.g., foam) closes theslits/openings. On the other hand, when glasses are worn as shown inFIGS. 10B and 10D, the filler material is pushed aside by the templepiece of the eyeglasses while creating little or no additional pressureon the temples of the wearer as compared to when the headset is wornwithout the eyeglasses. In FIGS. 10A and 10B the slits are such that,when eyeglasses are being worn concurrently with the headset, the foamof the headset is between temple pieces of the eyeglasses and the templeof the wearer. In FIGS. 10C and 10D, the filler material (e.g., foam) ispushed out of the way such that the temple pieces contact the temples ofthe wearer. Ideally, in the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-10D, the fillermaterial is compressed mostly in the vertical direction such that anyadditional pressure resulting from the presence of the temple pieces(relative to when the headset is worn without the eyeglasses) is exertedin the vertical directions on the temple pieces, rather than in thehorizontal direction on the temples of the wearer. To this end, theremay be, for example, hollow areas in the foam adjacent to the slits forreceiving the foam that is pushed out of the way by the temple pieces.

FIG. 11A is a flowchart illustrating a first example process foradjusting audio settings based on a state of an ear cup shaper. In block1102, a change in state of an ear cup shaper of ear cup 108 a isdetected. For example, a retraction or extension of a plunger-type earcup shaper is detected by sensor 832, or a tightening or loosening of astrap-type ear cup shaper is detected by sensor 832. In block 1102, inresponse to the detection in block 1102 (e.g., the sensor 832 sends asignal indicating the change in state to audio processing circuitry),different audio settings are selected for processing the audio signalbeing output to speaker 116 a. This may comprise, for example,increasing gain applied to low frequency components of the audio signalsuch that bass loudness is approximately the same before and after thechange in state of the ear cup shaper.

FIG. 11B is a flowchart illustrating a second example process foradjusting audio settings based on a state of an ear cup shaper. In block1110, calibration of the audio signals being output to the speakers 116a and 116 b of the headset 100 is triggered. Audio calibration may, forexample, be triggered periodically, in response to an adjustment of anear cup shaper (e.g., detected by sensor 832), or in response to theputting on, or taking off, of glasses (e.g., detected by sensor 832). Inblock 1112, the acoustics inside the chamber created by an ear cup andthe wearer's head are measured. This may comprise audio signals of knowncharacteristics being output to speakers 116 a and 116 b and thecorresponding acoustic waves being capture by microphones 302. Based onthe measured acoustic response, audio settings (e.g., gain and/or phaseshift applied to various frequency bands) may be adjusted to achieve thedesired actual response. For example, the measured response may revealthat bass is quieter than expected (e.g., due to a gap formed by the earcup shaper) and the gain applied to low frequency components of theaudio signal may be accordingly increased.

In accordance with an example implementation of this disclosure, aheadset (e.g., 100) comprises an ear cup (e.g., 100), at least onespeaker (e.g., 116 a), an adjustable ear cup shaper (e.g., strap 118 aor plunger 902 a), and circuitry (e.g., 302, 822, 824, 826, 830, and/or832). The ear cup shaper is adjustable into at least two configuration,wherein a first of the configurations creates no depression or a firstamount of depression in the ear cup (e.g., as in FIG. 4A or FIG. 5A) anda second of the configurations creates a second amount of depression inthe ear cup (e.g., as in FIG. 4B or FIG. 5B), the second amount beinggreater than the first amount. The circuitry is operable to determinewhich one of the configurations the ear cup shaper is configured into,and set an audio setting applied to an audio signal output to thespeaker based on the determined one of the configurations. For astrap-type ear cup shaper, the first of the configurations maycorrespond to a first amount of tension on the strap, and the second ofthe configurations may correspond to a second amount of tension on thestrap, where the second amount of tension is greater than the firstamount of tension. For a strap-type ear cup shaper, the circuitry maycomprise a sensor (e.g., 832) operable to sense tension on the strap,and the determination of configuration may be based on the tension. Fora plunger-type ear cup shaper, the first of the configurations maycorrespond to a retracted position of the plunger, and the second of theconfigurations may correspond to an extended position of the plunger.For a plunger-type ear cup shaper, the circuitry may comprises a switchor electrical contact (e.g., 906 a and/or 908 a) operable to sensewhether the plunger is retracted or extended. The circuitry may comprisea hall effect sensor, and the determination may be based on an output ofthe hall effect sensor. The audio setting may comprises a gain appliedto the audio signal. The gain may be set to a first, higher gain whenthe ear cup shaper is in the first configuration and to a second, lowergain when the ear cup shaper is in the second configuration. The audiosetting comprises a bass boost setting (i.e., configuration of the gainsapplied to various frequency bands that increases the perceived loudnessof the bass frequencies). The base boost setting may be disabled whenthe adjustable ear cup shaper is in the first configuration and enabledwhen the adjustable ear cup shaper is in the second configuration. Theear cup may comprise foam that is compressed a first amount when theadjustable ear cup shaper is in the first configuration and compressed asecond amount when the adjustable ear cup shaper is in the secondconfiguration, where the second amount is greater than the first amount.The headset may comprise a microphone (e.g., 302) configured to captureacoustic waves inside a cavity formed by the ear cup, and thedetermination may be based on the acoustic waves captured by themicrophone.

The present invention may be realized in hardware, software, or acombination of hardware and software. The present invention may berealized in a centralized fashion in at least one computing system, orin a distributed fashion where different elements are spread acrossseveral interconnected computing systems. Any kind of computing systemor other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described hereinis suited. A typical combination of hardware and software may be ageneral-purpose computing system with a program or other code that, whenbeing loaded and executed, controls the computing system such that itcarries out the methods described herein. Another typical implementationmay comprise an application specific integrated circuit or chip.

Other embodiments of the invention may provide a non-transitory computerreadable medium and/or storage medium, and/or a non-transitory machinereadable medium and/or storage medium, having stored thereon, a machinecode and/or a computer program having at least one code sectionexecutable by a machine and/or a computer, thereby causing the machineand/or computer to perform the processes as described herein.

While the present invention has been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited tothe particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

As utilized herein the terms “circuits” and “circuitry” refer tophysical electronic components (i.e. hardware) and any software and/orfirmware (“code”) which may configure the hardware, be executed by thehardware, and or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As usedherein, for example, a particular processor and memory may comprise afirst “circuit” when executing a first one or more lines of code and maycomprise a second “circuit” when executing a second one or more lines ofcode. As utilized herein, “and/or” means any one or more of the items inthe list joined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means anyelement of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “xand/or y” means “one or both of x and y”. As another example, “x, y,and/or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x,y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, “x, y and/or z” means“one or more of x, y and z”. As utilized herein, the term “exemplary”means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. Asutilized herein, the terms “e.g.,” and “for example” set off lists ofone or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. Asutilized herein, circuitry is “operable” to perform a function wheneverthe circuitry comprises the necessary hardware and code (if any isnecessary) to perform the function, regardless of whether performance ofthe function is disabled or not enabled (e.g., by a user-configurablesetting, factory trim, etc.).

What is claimed:
 1. A system comprising: a headset that comprises an earcup shaper, wherein the ear cup shaper comprises a strap; and circuitryfor controlling at least some functions associated with the headset;wherein: the ear cup shaper is configurable into at least twoconfigurations; and the circuitry: determines a configuration that theear cup shaper is configured into; and controls based on the determinedconfiguration, one or more audio functions that affect audio output viathe headset.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein: a first configuration ofthe at least two configurations corresponds to a first amount of tensionon the strap; and a second configuration of the at least twoconfigurations corresponds to a second amount of tension on the strap,the second amount of tension being different than the first amount oftension.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry comprises asensor operable to sense tension on the strap, and the circuitrydetermines the configuration that the ear cup shaper is configured intobased on the tension.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the ear cupshaper comprises a plunger.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein: a firstconfiguration of the at least two configurations corresponds to aretracted position of the plunger; and a second configuration of the atleast two configurations corresponds to an extended position of theplunger.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the circuitry comprises asensor operable to sense whether the plunger is retracted or extended.7. The system of claim 6, wherein the sensor comprises a switch orelectrical contact.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitrycomprises a hall effect sensor, and the circuitry determines theconfiguration that the ear cup shaper is configured into based on anoutput of the hall effect sensor.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein thecircuitry controls a gain applied to the audio output via the headset.10. The system of claim 9, wherein the circuitry sets the gain to afirst gain value when the ear cup shaper is in a first configuration ofthe at least two configurations, and to a second gain value when the earcup shaper is in a second configuration of the at least twoconfigurations, the second gain value being different than the firstgain value.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry controls oradjusts a bass boost setting applied to the audio output via theheadset.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the circuitry disables thebase boost setting when the ear cup shaper is in a first configurationof the at least two configurations and enables the base boost settingwhen the ear cup shaper is in a second configuration of the at least twoconfigurations.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the ear cup comprisesfoam that is compressed a first amount when the ear cup shaper is in afirst configuration of the at least two configurations and compressed asecond amount when the ear cup shaper is in a second configuration ofthe at least two configurations, the second amount being different thanthe first amount.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the headsetcomprises one or more microphones configured to capture acoustic wavesinside a cavity formed by the ear cup.
 15. The system of claim 14,wherein the circuitry determines the configuration into which the earcup shaper is configured based on the acoustic waves captured by the oneor more microphones.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein in a firstconfiguration of the at least two configurations, the ear cup shaper isconfigured such that no depression or a first amount of depression iscreated in the ear cup.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein in a secondconfiguration of the at least two configurations, the ear cup shaper isconfigured such that a second amount of depression is created in the earcup, the second amount being different than no depression or the firstamount of depression.
 18. A system comprising: a headset that comprisesan ear cup shaper, wherein the ear cup shaper comprises a plunger; andcircuitry for controlling at least some functions associated with theheadset; wherein: the ear cup shaper is configurable into at least twoconfigurations; and the circuitry: determines a configuration that theear cup shaper is configured into; and controls based on the determinedconfiguration, one or more audio functions that affect audio output viathe headset.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the ear cup shapercomprises a strap.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein: a firstconfiguration of the at least two configurations corresponds to a firstamount of tension on the strap; and a second configuration of the atleast two configurations corresponds to a second amount of tension onthe strap, the second amount of tension being different than the firstamount of tension.
 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the circuitrycomprises a sensor operable to sense tension on the strap, and thecircuitry determines the configuration that the ear cup shaper isconfigured into based on the tension.
 22. The system of claim 18,wherein: a first configuration of the at least two configurationscorresponds to a retracted position of the plunger; and a secondconfiguration of the at least two configurations corresponds to anextended position of the plunger.
 23. The system of claim 18, whereinthe circuitry comprises a sensor operable to sense whether the plungeris retracted or extended.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the sensorcomprises a switch or electrical contact.
 25. The system of claim 18,wherein the circuitry comprises a hall effect sensor, and the circuitrydetermines the configuration that the ear cup shaper is configured intobased on an output of the hall effect sensor.
 26. The system of claim18, wherein the circuitry controls a gain applied to the audio outputvia the headset.
 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the circuitry setsthe gain to a first gain value when the ear cup shaper is in a firstconfiguration of the at least two configurations, and to a second gainvalue when the ear cup shaper is in a second configuration of the atleast two configurations, the second gain value being different than thefirst gain value.
 28. The system of claim 18, wherein the circuitrycontrols or adjusts a bass boost setting applied to the audio output viathe headset.
 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the circuitry disablesthe base boost setting when the ear cup shaper is in a firstconfiguration of the at least two configurations and enables the baseboost setting when the ear cup shaper is in a second configuration ofthe at least two configurations.
 30. The system of claim 18, wherein theear cup comprises foam that is compressed a first amount when the earcup shaper is in a first configuration of the at least twoconfigurations and compressed a second amount when the ear cup shaper isin a second configuration of the at least two configurations, the secondamount being different than the first amount.
 31. The system of claim18, wherein the headset comprises one or more microphones configured tocapture acoustic waves inside a cavity formed by the ear cup.
 32. Thesystem of claim 31, wherein the circuitry determines the configurationinto which the ear cup shaper is configured based on the acoustic wavescaptured by the one or more microphones.
 33. The system of claim 18,wherein in a first configuration of the at least two configurations, theear cup shaper is configured such that no depression or a first amountof depression is created in the ear cup.
 34. The system of claim 33,wherein in a second configuration of the at least two configurations,the ear cup shaper is configured such that a second amount of depressionis created in the ear cup, the second amount being different than nodepression or the first amount of depression.
 35. A system comprising: aheadset that comprises an ear cup shaper; and circuitry for controllingat least some functions associated with the headset, wherein thecircuitry comprises a hall effect sensor, and wherein the circuitrydetermines the configuration that the ear cup shaper is configured intobased on an output of the hall effect sensor; wherein: the ear cupshaper is configurable into at least two configurations; and thecircuitry: determines a configuration that the ear cup shaper isconfigured into; and controls based on the determined configuration, oneor more audio functions that affect audio output via the headset. 36.The system of claim 35, wherein the ear cup shaper comprises a strap.37. The system of claim 36, wherein: a first configuration of the atleast two configurations corresponds to a first amount of tension on thestrap; and a second configuration of the at least two configurationscorresponds to a second amount of tension on the strap, the secondamount of tension being different than the first amount of tension. 38.The system of claim 36, wherein the circuitry comprises a sensoroperable to sense tension on the strap, and the circuitry determines theconfiguration that the ear cup shaper is configured into based on thetension.
 39. The system of claim 35, wherein the ear cup shapercomprises a plunger.
 40. The system of claim 39, wherein: a firstconfiguration of the at least two configurations corresponds to aretracted position of the plunger; and a second configuration of the atleast two configurations corresponds to an extended position of theplunger.
 41. The system of claim 39, wherein the circuitry comprises asensor operable to sense whether the plunger is retracted or extended.42. The system of claim 41, wherein the sensor comprises a switch orelectrical contact.
 43. The system of claim 35, wherein the circuitrycontrols a gain applied to the audio output via the headset.
 44. Thesystem of claim 43, wherein the circuitry sets the gain to a first gainvalue when the ear cup shaper is in a first configuration of the atleast two configurations, and to a second gain value when the ear cupshaper is in a second configuration of the at least two configurations,the second gain value being different than the first gain value.
 45. Thesystem of claim 35, wherein the circuitry controls or adjusts a bassboost setting applied to the audio output via the headset.
 46. Thesystem of claim 45, wherein the circuitry disables the base boostsetting when the ear cup shaper is in a first configuration of the atleast two configurations and enables the base boost setting when the earcup shaper is in a second configuration of the at least twoconfigurations.
 47. The system of claim 35, wherein the ear cupcomprises foam that is compressed a first amount when the ear cup shaperis in a first configuration of the at least two configurations andcompressed a second amount when the ear cup shaper is in a secondconfiguration of the at least two configurations, the second amountbeing different than the first amount.
 48. The system of claim 35,wherein the headset comprises one or more microphones configured tocapture acoustic waves inside a cavity formed by the ear cup.
 49. Thesystem of claim 48, wherein the circuitry determines the configurationinto which the ear cup shaper is configured based on the acoustic wavescaptured by the one or more microphones.
 50. The system of claim 35,wherein in a first configuration of the at least two configurations, theear cup shaper is configured such that no depression or a first amountof depression is created in the ear cup.
 51. The system of claim 50,wherein in a second configuration of the at least two configurations,the ear cup shaper is configured such that a second amount of depressionis created in the ear cup, the second amount being different than nodepression or the first amount of depression.
 52. A system comprising: aheadset comprising an ear cup, an ear cup shaper, and one or moremicrophones, wherein the ear cup shaper is configurable into at leasttwo configurations, and wherein the one or more microphones areconfigured to capture acoustic waves inside a cavity formed by the earcup; and circuitry for controlling at least some functions associatedwith the headset, wherein the circuitry determines a configuration thatthe ear cup shaper is configured into based on the acoustic wavescaptured by the one or more microphones, and wherein the circuitrycontrols, based on the determined configuration, one or more audiofunctions that affect audio output via the headset.
 53. The system ofclaim 52, wherein the ear cup shaper comprises a strap.
 54. The systemof claim 53, wherein: a first configuration of the at least twoconfigurations corresponds to a first amount of tension on the strap;and a second configuration of the at least two configurationscorresponds to a second amount of tension on the strap, the secondamount of tension being different than the first amount of tension. 55.The system of claim 53, wherein the circuitry comprises a sensoroperable to sense tension on the strap, and the circuitry determines theconfiguration that the ear cup shaper is configured into based on thetension.
 56. The system of claim 52, wherein the ear cup shapercomprises a plunger.
 57. The system of claim 56, wherein: a firstconfiguration of the at least two configurations corresponds to aretracted position of the plunger; and a second configuration of the atleast two configurations corresponds to an extended position of theplunger.
 58. The system of claim 56, wherein the circuitry comprises asensor operable to sense whether the plunger is retracted or extended.59. The system of claim 58, wherein the sensor comprises a switch orelectrical contact.
 60. The system of claim 52, wherein the circuitrycomprises a hall effect sensor, and the circuitry determines theconfiguration that the ear cup shaper is configured into based on anoutput of the hall effect sensor.
 61. The system of claim 52, whereinthe circuitry controls a gain applied to the audio output via theheadset.
 62. The system of claim 61, wherein the circuitry sets the gainto a first gain value when the ear cup shaper is in a firstconfiguration of the at least two configurations, and to a second gainvalue when the ear cup shaper is in a second configuration of the atleast two configurations, the second gain value being different than thefirst gain value.
 63. The system of claim 52, wherein the circuitrycontrols or adjusts a bass boost setting applied to the audio output viathe headset.
 64. The system of claim 63, wherein the circuitry disablesthe base boost setting when the ear cup shaper is in a firstconfiguration of the at least two configurations and enables the baseboost setting when the ear cup shaper is in a second configuration ofthe at least two configurations.
 65. The system of claim 52, wherein theear cup comprises foam that is compressed a first amount when the earcup shaper is in a first configuration of the at least twoconfigurations and compressed a second amount when the ear cup shaper isin a second configuration of the at least two configurations, the secondamount being different than the first amount.
 66. The system of claim52, wherein in a first configuration of the at least two configurations,the ear cup shaper is configured such that no depression or a firstamount of depression is created in the ear cup.
 67. The system of claim52, wherein in a second configuration of the at least twoconfigurations, the ear cup shaper is configured such that a secondamount of depression is created in the ear cup, the second amount beingdifferent than no depression or the first amount of depression.